Zamfara: How bandits killed Chief Imam, abducted scores in fresh attack

Bandits have launched another deadly attack in Zamfara State, resulting in the killing of Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Keita village, Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The attack occurred shortly after the night of congregational prayer.

The tragic incident follows closely on the heels of the murder of Imam Abubakar Hassan Mada, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Mada, Gusau LGA, just three weeks prior.

According to Ibrahim Musa Keita, a resident of Keita village, the bandits were initially spotted along the Kwarin Gano-Keita Road. Despite residents being warned of their presence, the bandits proceeded to attack the village.

After failing to abduct travellers on the road, they targeted Keita village, killing the chief imam and kidnapping several individuals, including women.

"We have not determined the exact number of people abducted as some residents fled into the bush and have not yet returned," stated Ibrahim.

In a separate incident, two individuals were abducted in Magazu village, Tsafe LGA, in the early hours of Tuesday. Yusuf Ibrahim, a resident, revealed that the bandits invaded the village around 3 am, shooting indiscriminately and causing residents to flee their homes.

Aminu Kwalfada, another resident from Kwalfada village, expressed concern that the pervasive fear of bandits has led residents to refrain from using loudspeakers in mosques during prayers.

ASP. Abubakar Yazid, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State Command, was unable to provide further details at the time of reporting but assured that information would be shared as soon as it became available.